Brie Mine – 6 Venues for Your Next Romantic Rendezvous

Love is definitely in the air and romantic Spring dinner dates on the menu this weekend! 

Those looking for the perfect restaurant to wow their sweetheart have plenty of choice as venues around the country put their best foot forward as the ideal date night destination. 

Here are six we think you should try for your next romantic rendezvous:

Find flavour-packed Oriental dishes and alluring elixirs in an intimate setting at Modu Bar & Kitchen on Sherwood Court in the heart of Perth's CBD. Taking its namesake and inspiration from the city of Shanghai – which is known as Modu or the ‘City of Sins' – this moody, emerald-hued restaurant and bar is perfect for casual drinks, date night dinners and special functions.

 

Cosy up with your special someone in a velvet-clad booth knocking back a signature Blushing Madam Wang cocktail while soaking up the action from the state-of-the-art open kitchen and live entertainment. Start with chilled octopus, whipped soy cream, pine nuts, jalapeño and basil oil; moving onto charred lamb neck, lemongrass, nahm jim, chilli and glutinous rice powder, or char siu pork, Vegemite and honey glaze and kailan.

Take your taste buds on a journey through Italy at Café Settebello on Newton Road in Campbelltown. This family-owned and operated Adelaide restaurant specialises in traditional wood-oven style pizzas, gourmet pasta, risotto and much more in stylish surrounds of black subway tiles, monochromatic murals of the homeland and subdued lighting.

 

Find your perfect date night plate with starters such as pea, porcini mushroom and truffle arancini, served with garlic aioli and shaved Parmesan, before tantalising pasta choices like spaghetti with black Tiger prawns, olives, semi-dried tomato, Spanish onion and garlic, finished with basil pesto and Parmesan. Perhaps share a gourmet Settebello Deluxe pizza with San Marzano tomato sauce, cheese, porcini, leg ham, artichokes and green olives, or the Mexican with cheese, salami, peppers and hot chilli.

Located in the heart of Mildura’s dining strip, Thai-Riffic on Langtree Avenue delivers modern Thai fusion cuisine for all tastes. Expect an authentic dining experience amid Thai accents, statues and potted greenery, alongside fresh and delicious creations that are also incredibly good for you. With an ancient blend of fresh and dried herbs and spices, Thai fare is full of nutrients and antioxidants to promote lifelong health and fitness.

 

Take flight on a romantic adventure with crispy tender squid and sriracha mayo, or soft-shell crab with garlic pepper sauce; then show how much you care by ordering Chef’s secret recipe lobster with tangy sweet and sour sauce, with sides of steamed jasmine rice and vegetables, or beef massaman curry, slow cooked with potatoes, star anise, cinnamon and peanuts accompanied by sweet coconut rice, papadums and roti flatbread.

An appetising menu and warm service make Domani’s Café Restaurant & Bar on Tedder Avenue more than just a loved Gold Coast local. This Main Beach stalwart charms with its inviting familiarity and romantic vibe combined with a laidback setup of a modish cocktail bar brimming with happy imbibers and a spacious alfresco area for those who wish to people watch.

 

Domani’s internationally inspired menu tempts appetites of all sizes, with entrées of fresh oysters with cucumber, lychee, lime and salmon pearls, or pan-seared scallops, black garlic purée and a dukkah spiced tapioca cracker; turn up the date night heat with a main such as Moreton Bay bugs baked in garlic, chilli and lemon butter, topped with toasted garlic and Parmesan crumb, served with a house garden salad.

Embracing a paddock-to-plate philosophy, Water St Kitchen restaurant delivers big, bold flavours to Walkervale diners. This popular Bundaberg catering company is now based in light, airy surroundings, where floral wallpaper and fresh flowers await dine-in guests while perusing a casual Mod Oz menu. Dark wood furniture and whitewashed walls create a relaxed vibe to set the scene for romantic dining in the evening on entrées like venison salami, potato, fennel tarragon, honey mustard and blueberry.

Blow your date away with main choices such as Moreton Bay bug with hand-cut linguine, lemon butter sauce, chive and pecorino, or pork belly with maple-glazed cabbage, pickled apple slaw, walnuts and palm caramel; steak lovers opt for dry-aged sirloin on the bone, served with smoked pumpkin, porcini crisp and beef jus, before decadent chocolate terrine, mascarpone, raspberry sorbet and candied pistachio to complete a loved-up meal.

Great food served with great attitude in a charming location is what Tamborine Mountain locals and visitors can expect from Pippin Took 2 on Southport Avenue. This second version of the highly successful Pippin Took, which was located in Brisbane for 12 years, presents a slick, chic French ambience of black and white striped accents, fresh flowers and polished wooden floors; while on balmy Gold Coast days alfresco dining entices.

 

Whether seeking an intimate dinner for two or a special family occasion, say bon appetit to starters of seafood tian with salmon pearls and gazpacho dressing, or duck spring rolls and dipping sauce; for the main, think choices like slow-cooked Black Angus beef cheeks, with Parish mash, pea purée and red wine jus, or light the romance fire with confit duck, fries and steamed vegetables, enjoyed with a glass of Shiraz.